Best time to use them and best ways to use them? I generally use them on small lakes that are overfished but im sure there are some other better uses out there so let me know!!!

I use flat cranks more in cold water.  That tight wiggle is pretty good for lethargic fish.  With my flat cranks, I prefer suspending models or adding suspendots to my floating ones.

I use the Lucky Craft flat cb's for a lot of my crankbait needs.

Flat cranks are the first bait I will throw when the water starts to warm in early spring. A stop and go retrieve usually works great during this time.

My fishing partner has done well with smallies with Bandit's Flat Maxx series. I'm too darn thick headed to pick any up, but when I do, it will be Bandit's series.

P.S. He's done rather well with them for walleye too.

Flat cranks work year-round and in nearly every condition.....it just so happens they excel in high pressure waters, or cold conditions.  

I've caught just as many bass in hot water with them.  

There's an endless variety of designs and actions for them as well.   I have mass produced flatsides (what few there are available) and flatsides from probably over 20 different custom makers.  

Flatsided cranks are my confidence baits.......I'm definitely a junkie.    

They work year round but, as mentioned, they are great in early spring.

I have not found one brand to be superior to another as far as catching goes. BUT I am really impressed with the new Red Eye Shad. It is fantastic in sexy shad and chrome/blue.